Google is a multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products. They had recently released a bunch of devices during their annual hardware event. The company wrapped up the event with the release of the new Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL, wireless earbuds called ‘Pixel Buds’ and a £999 PixelBook that runs ChromeOS. However, one thing everyone noticed is the absence of Android Wear.
Android Wear
This is the version of Android OS that has been specifically designed for wearables by Google. The watches with Android Wear can pair with both Android and iOS devices. The famed ‘Google Assistant’ is also baked into the OS. Recently Google had released LG Watch Sport and Watch Style on the Play Store, which is the same place that applications that are compatible with the wearable devices can be downloaded from.
Now, Google has removed all the references to the two of their latest watches from their Google Store just before the event. After the event, we had thought the wearable related page was lost during the Google Store revamp. However, this was not true. They have removed all the hardware that is not from Google. This was confirmed by a Googler, Hoi Lam. He also told that this had been in the works for months. As of October 5th, the Android Wear part of the Google Store was still accessible directly. But now it gets redirected to the Google Store’s Homepage.
It appears that Google has discontinued the recently released LG Watch Style and the Watch Style. However, the only wearable that will be updated to the latest Android O is the same LG Watch Style. It is unclear why Google has done this. This may be due to the low sales figures of Android Wear or Google may be just cleaning house for their own wearable devices. However, Android Wear was not mentioned at all in the event.
